Deal

Microsoft and Barnes & Noble complete $300 million strategic alliance

eReading the market

Date Type Companies involved Size
October 5th, 2012 investment Barnes & Noble
Microsoft
$300m
Microsoft and Barnes & Noble complete $300 million strategic alliance
Announced back in April, Microsoft and Barnes & Noble have finally signed off their strategic alliance, with the two firm's newly formed subsidiary – Nook Media – taking shape as a result.

Both companies claim Nook Media, previously referred to as Newco, will enable them to "advance world-class digital reading experiences to the hundreds of millions of consumers they jointly serve."

On a more practical basis, it will also result in Nook support on Windows 8 when it launches before the end of October.

Digital deal

"As demand for digital content continues to increase, we are focused on bringing ground-breaking reading and learning content and technologies to more people in more formats than ever before, including the imminent launch of our exceptional Nook reading application for Windows 8," said Barnes & Noble CEO William Lynch.

"We look forward to working closely with our new partner Microsoft to add value to their innovative new platform by bringing great reading experiences and one of the world's preeminent digital bookstores to millions of Windows 8 users."

As part of the agreement, Microsoft made a $300 million investment in Nook Media at a post-money valuation of $1.7 billion, taking an approximate equity stake of 17.6 percent as a result.

The remaining shares are in Nook's hands.

Eye on Amazon

Strategically, the partnership represents an interesting move for Microsoft, given it hands the firm a role in the greatest challenger to Amazon's Kindle empire.

It also comes just weeks after Barnes & Noble unveiled its Nook HD tablets.

"Nook Media is a leader in developing the next generation of digital reading and we look forward to the company bringing one of the world's largest digital libraries to Windows 8 devices via their upcoming Windows 8 app," added Microsoft president Andy Lees.

"We are also excited by Nook Media's product roadmap and expansion into markets around the world as demonstrated by their recent launches in the United Kingdom."

[source: BusinessWire]

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.